But the Hammers were further behind and on this occasion Phil Jagielka outjumped Bobby Zamora in meeting a Keith Gillespie corner to plant a downward header in the bottom left-hand corner of Green’s net for his fourth goal of the season.

The victory was complete 12 minutes from time when Derek Geary intercepted a Hayden Mullins pass just outside his own area then sprayed a long ball upfield for Stead to chase.

From wide on the right wing he cut inside and beat Anton Ferdinand before despatching a low shot beyond Green.